HALTER TRAINING THE SHOW ARAB

by
Adam King

We'll deal with the three most common methods, which will fit most horses.
Again, when starting these lessons, backtrack first and make sure you've got the horses attention. When you are sure they are listening to you, you are ready to proceed. Don't worry too much about leg setting at this stage - you can come back later and put everything together.

NOTE : The whip is used as an aid and a cue. It is not to be used as a beating device.
Method 1. Set legs, ask your horse to rock back and then show him the end the whip - if he reaches for it praise him and then repeat. Many horses, particularly yearlings will automatically reach for the whip - most of our horses are trained as yearlings and are inquisitive enough to have a look at the whip. They are also built in such a way as it is very easy for them to open their throat. If they don't, you can try using a handful of grass, or a carrot in the same hand as the whip and gradually take it away.
Method 2. As above, but if the horse does not reach for the whip, give them a tap on the shoulder. This is a 'tap', a reminder to get their attention, NOT a whip slash. Show them the whip again and repeat. When they give their neck, praise and then repeat.
Getting the horse to use their neck is a gradual process - all you are asking for in the first few lessons is that they open their throat. Immediately they do, relax and praise.
Method 3. This is the method that we use for most horses that do not respond to Method 1. Again, set your horse up, ask him to rock back and then show him your other hand and/or place slight pressure on the lead. If the horse does not open his throat, shank him back and repeat. When he does praise him. Again, if you are a novice, it may help to have someone watching for when the horse opens his throat, as it can be slight and you don't want to miss that.

All horses are different, and you may need to try a few methods, or combinations of methods before you achieve the desired result. There are no secrets, just consistency and patience. Horses are individuals and every one will differ slightly or in a major way. You need to be switched on enough to recognize the horses needs.

Once you have your horse using its neck, you'll need to fine tune the amount and height of the neck, to suit the horse. You will also need to put everything together and fine tune the complete package, so that it all flows smoothly, and you have your horse showing from the rock backed position.

(All of the work carried out in these lessons is done with a halter and lead. Only when we have finished the horse, do we put it in a chain and fine tune. For horses that are difficult to handle, it may be necessary to introduce the chain earlier.)

Now that you have a horse that stands like a champion, you will need to consider all aspects of entering the show ring with a finished horse. Presentation of you and your horse and Ring Craft, Conditioning, which includes Diet and exercise, General Health and Well being, and shoeing. Winning is a complete package.

Obviously, we can't cover everything in a few short articles. What you have is a fairly complete but abridged version. If you experience any problems during your training that you are unable to sort out, you should ask the advise of a professional trainer.

Adam King

For more on the successful training of the Arab as a winning Halter Horse, go to: